FACT FILE
Interim Septic Tank Requirements –
Southern Peninsula Sewer Scheme: December 2014
INTRODUCTION
This fact file was updated by Council in December 2014 and outlines the interim septic tank system
requirements for new or altered dwellings within the backlog sewer areas covered by the Southern
Peninsula Sewerage Scheme. This includes the townships of Rye, Blairgowrie, Portsea, St Andrews
Beach, Tootgarook and Sorrento.
South East Water is currently in the process of rolling out of this program over the next 3 years. It has an
Early Connection Option (ECO) for property owners to connect to the sewer system earlier. Owners can
register their interest in the ECO via the South East Water web site at http://betterconnected.com.au/
The Shire fully supports this scheme and requires all properties to connect to sewer unless a wastewater
re-use system is installed that meets Environment Protection Authority sustainable re-use guidelines
(EPA Publication 891.3)
Sewering the Southern Mornington Peninsula addresses environmental and public health risks
associated with failing on-site sewerage systems identified in the Shire’s Domestic Wastewater
Management Plan. Reticulated sewerage is the preferred method of wastewater disposal through the
Southern Peninsula.
This fact file will assist property owners, developers, designers and septic installers to design and install
suitable interim septic tank systems until the sewer scheme is completed and sewer is available. It is
applicable only to the southern peninsula and does not apply to other un-sewered townships.
INTERIM SEPTIC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Type of Development
Sub-Division or Boundary
Re-alignment
New Dwelling
Additional Bedrooms or
Habitable Rooms
Minor Alteration including ensuites
Treatment and Disposal Method
Section 173 agreement with South East Water and suitable interim
system
All wastewater into 3200 all-purpose septic tank and 10 lineal metres
of 600mm wide absorption trenches for a 3 bedroom house and install
5 metres of 600mm wide absorption trench for each additional
bedroom in runs no longer than 30m.
Connect to existing septic tank system and install 5 metres of 600mm
wide absorption trench for each additional bedroom. In the case of
soak pit, absorption trench must be installed.
Connect to existing 3200 litre all-purpose septic tank and absorption
trenches.
* Based on wastewater flow of 720 litres/day (3 bedroom house), add 5 metres of absorption trench for each
additional bedroom
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The installation of AAA or better rated plumbing fixtures and other water saving devices is
mandatory for any interim septic system to minimise wastewater flow into the system
Depth of absorption trenches can range between 400mm and 500mm but must be no deeper that
500mm from natural ground level
Absorption trenches must be installed in accordance with Council’s Installation Guidelines and
AS/NZS 1547:2012 On-site Domestic Wastewater Management
No off-site discharge of effluent will be permitted
Interim Septic Tank Requirements – Last updated 16 July 2015 – EPACS – Obj ID A4760675
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Interim system application fee is $160.00
If sewer is not provided within 3 years, a suitable long-term septic system must be installed in
accordance with the Shire’s Wastewater Management Policy
Current septic tank permits issued by the Shire that include sub-surface irrigation or full length of
absorption trenches may be amended to include an interim septic tank system. To amend your
current septic tank permit please send in to the Shire:
- An application to alter the septic tank system
- A site plan showing the location and dimensions of the proposed interim system
- Letters from South East Water and the property owner described below
HOW TO OBTAIN APPROVAL FOR AN INTERIM SEPTIC SYSTEM
1. Register your interest on the South East Water web page for the Early Connection Option of the
Southern Peninsula Sewerage Scheme
2. Obtain written or e-mail confirmation from South East Water that they have received your
expression of interest
3. Send a completed septic tank application to the Shire including:
 A site plan showing the location and dimensions of the proposed septic system
 For Vacant blocks: Confirmation from South East Water that your expression of
interest in the ECO has been received OR;
 Copy of accepted application form from South East Water;
 For existing house alterations OR knock down re-build: Notice of Agreement with
South East Water to connect to sewer;
 Letter signed by the owner agreeing to connect to sewer within 60 days of it becoming
available;
 Letter signed by the owner agreeing to install a suitable long-term effluent disposal
system if sewer is not provided within 3 years. A sample letter is shown below:
To: Environmental Health Team
Mornington Peninsula Shire
I/we am the property owner of _____(insert address)_____ within the Southern Peninsula backlog
sewer area. I have attached confirmation from South East Water that I have registered interest in
the ECO sewer scheme for this property.
Please find attached an application for a septic tank permit to install (or alter). I propose to install
this system as an interim septic system for the property until sewer is provided.
I/we agree to connect to reticulated sewer within 60 days of it becoming available.
I/we also agree to install a suitable long-term septic tank system if sewer is not provided within 3
years of the permit to install being issued for the interim septic system
Signed
Property Owner
FURTHER INFORMATION
This fact file is applicable until the South East Water ECO Sewer project has been completed. For further
information please contact the Shire’s Environmental Health Team on phone 59 501050 or South East
Water on phone 131 694. Further information is also available on the Shire’s web page
www.mornpen.vic.gov.au.
Interim Septic Tank Requirements – Last updated 16 July 2015 – EPACS – Obj ID A4760675